The Monkeypox virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeys are not the source of Monkeypox. It was was discovered in 1958 when scientists discovered an outbreak in monkeys kept for research. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox. Sometimes the lesions of chickenpox may resemble those of monkeypox. Testing can help you identify which virus you might have.

• The Monkeypox virus can vary in presentation. Some get flu-like symptoms first then develop lesions or pustules 1 to 5 days later. Others develop lesions or pustules first. The lesions or pustules typically shows up on their hands, feet, face, mouth, genitals, or chest. Some get both the lesions or pustules and flu-like symptoms, and some only experience lesions or pustules.

​

• If you have only flu-like symptoms, you will have to wait to test. But if you start to notice red lesions, that’s when you can take this test. Be sure to isolate at home and wear high-quality masks when in contact with others for medical care.

​

• Monkeypox can appear to look like a pimple at first, but if it changes appearance, it may be Monkeypox. Monkeypox skin lesions usually start off looking like clear blisters for a few days then they become pustules, which may resemble whiteheads, for about a week, and they are painful or itchy. Finally, Monkeypox lesions will develop a pit in the center and harden and form a crust before the lesion scabs over and falls off. If you’re worried, you will need to test to know for sure.

The Monkeypox virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus, through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing by someone with the virus, or touching items or surfaces that have come into contact with the lesions or pustules of someone with the virus. Anyone can get the virus and there have been cases identified in children.

Symptoms of Monkeypox usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus and typically lasts 2-4 weeks. The Monkeypox virus can be spread from the time symptoms start until the lesions or pustules have healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed - usually several weeks.

 Two dry swabs of the same lesion or pustule.

The test result will indicate if Monkeypox is present in your body or not. If Monkeypox is detected you will want to see a doctor right away. 

​